I underwent a heart catheterization at REX Heart Hospital and spent the better portion of that day in the heart catheterization recovery unit. Jenna Mcleod was my nurse for most of her entire shift. I spent over eight hours under her care that day and I could not have asked for a more professionally competent or a kinder health care professional to meet my needs that stressful day. Unfortunately, my case was a bit more complicated than some because I was having elevated blood pressure issues throughout the day that slowed my recovery time. Additionally, I developed a hematoma when Jenna removed the sleeve from my insertion site in the groin, which caused excessive bleeding while I was on elevated doses of blood thinner. She immediately handled the bleeding issue, remaining calm herself and projecting an air of professionalism and calmness to me. When the first attempts to stop the bleeding were not completely successful, she promptly enlisted the aid of another nurse on duty to assist. For approximately thirty minutes, Jenna and her colleague addressed the situation and brought it under control, all the while dealing with my elevated blood pressure. At no time did she convey any reason for me to be concerned that she was not in complete control of the situation or that I should be concerned about my health. She was calm and encouraging throughout.
Before, during and after this incident, Jenna was warm, friendly, professional and efficient in all aspects of my care. My wife, herself a registered nurse, was in the room with me most of the time and she and Jenna bonded quickly over shared knowledge and experience. As chance would have it, my wife was not in the room during the hematoma incident but was quick to understand and appreciate how well it was handled when she returned. For the remainder of her shift, Jenna spent a good deal of time in my room checking on me frequently and reassuring both my wife and me that this setback would not prevent me from being discharged that evening or that it would have a lasting effect on my recovery. At the conclusion of her shift, she introduced us to her replacement and went out of her way to see that we were comfortable and in good hands before she left for the evening.
Jenna's warmth and kindness, along with her excellent professional skills, make her an exceptional example of what UNC REX Healthcare wants to portray to their patients and the public at large. While my entire experience that day with all of the REX staff was excellent, Jenna shone brighter. She is the best of the best.